Q&A

Michael Bolton was born Michael Bolotin, in 1954 in Connecticut. Since his debut album in 1975, he has become become one of the world's most successful singer/ songwriters, selling more than 52m records and winning a string of Grammy awards. In 1983, he set up the Michael Bolton Foundation to help women and children in poverty. In 1994, he received the Lewis Hine Award from the US National Child Labour Committee, and in 1996 the Martin Luther King Jr/Core Award. His latest album is Only A Woman Like You.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Waking up and going to sleep feeling gratitude for being alive.

What is your greatest fear?

New York Yankees not winning the next World Series.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Impatience, but I'm working on it. I just can't stand how long it takes.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

A temporary bridge flew out of my mouth on stage 25 years ago: I held the microphone against my face for the whole set. A roadie grabbed the bridge and slipped it to me in the dressing room.

What is your greatest extravagance?

French burgundy. And antiques.

What is your greatest regret?

Can't share this one - giant can of worms.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My three-mile nose.

Should the royal family be scrapped?

None of my business.

Do you believe in capital punishment?

No. Too many cases are overturned these days. And, in some cases, death seems too easy a way out - ie, Timothy McVeigh.